The stampede into St. Johns County continues — but at a slower pace than in previous years.
According to new U.S. Census data, St. Johns’ population grew by 11,600 in 2024, reflecting the balance of both arrivals and departures.
This marks a slight decline from 2023, when 11,800 newcomers moved into the county.
However, last year’s numbers represent a significant drop from the peak years of 2021 and 2022, when the county saw net migration of 17,300 and 13,000, respectively—totaling more than 30,000 new residents over the two-year period.
The pace of in-migration in St. Johns had been steadily increasing year after year from 2011 until the 2022 slowdown.
Duval County added just 1,100 residents in 2024, down from an increase of 4,500 the previous year.
Clay County saw a population increase of 3,500, a decrease from 5,400 in 2023.
Flagler experienced net migration of 5,000, slightly down from 5,100 in 2023, according to the data.
Putnam County’s population grew by 1,200, down from 1,400 in the previous year.
Alachua was the only county in the region to experience a population decline in 2024, losing approximately 1,000 residents.
Orange County, home to Orlando, had a significant population drop 18,000 — the steepest decline in decades.
St. Johns now has a population of around 330,000, according to U.S. Census figures.
Some demographers estimate that the county’s population could double by 2050.
